Delhi govt collects 600 school audit reports in 7 days, acts against 10 for non-compliance

The Delhi government collected audited financial reports from 600 schools within seven days amid growing complaints of arbitrary fee hikes.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said that 10 schools received show-cause notices for failing to submit audit reports over the past 10 years.

"While the AAP government managed to collect audited reports from only 75 schools in one year, we have gathered reports from 600 schools in just seven days. We have already issued show-cause notices to 10 schools that haven't submitted their reports for the last 10 years," said Sood.

He added that a comprehensive framework is being established to ensure accountability, and the Education Department will not tolerate any malpractice related to fee increases.

"We will create a robust documentation system and tighten the noose around such schools. We will investigate how arbitrary fee hikes were approved in the past and whether any corrupt practices occurred under the previous government. We will not tolerate such malpractices under any circumstances," he emphasized.

Public outrage over fee hikes has sparked protests from parents and students, who allege harassment and unjustified fee increases.

Referring to Delhi Public School (DPS), which had previously taken legal action against the Delhi government, Sood highlighted a major development.

"Today marks a historic day for education in Delhi. For the first time, a DM-headed committee visited DPS. DPS had taken the Delhi government to court, but the court reprimanded the school. Based on our committee's report, the court has now directed the DM to ensure that students' education is not disrupted," he said.

He added, "For the past five years, no action had been successfully taken against DPS. But today, thanks to our DM-led committee and the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the court has finally held DPS accountable. We will take strict action based on the committee's findings."

Sood criticized the AAP-led government for failing to enforce regulations regarding school financial transparency.

"I question former Chief Minister Atishi and the AAP government—why was the 1973 Education Act, which mandates the submission and inspection of school audit reports, ignored? Why were fee hike approvals granted inconsistently, some accepted and others denied? What kind of under-the-table dealings took place under AAP's rule?" he asked.

Sood reiterated the current administration’s commitment to transparency and regulation in education.

"Our goal is to collect audit reports from all 1,670 schools in Delhi. There will be no room for dishonesty," he said.

Following a meeting with concerned parents at her residence, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a probe into the fee hike allegations on April 15.

"It is completely unacceptable for any school to mentally harass parents or students, threaten expulsion, or increase fees without following due process," said the CM.

She also reaffirmed her government's commitment to improving education standards in the capital.

"We are committed to ensuring that every child receives access to quality and modern education," she said.